TORNADO IN DELAWARE COUNTY

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF1 tornado with 90 mph winds touched down in Delaware County on Wednesday. According to meteorologists, the brief tornado quickly developed Wednesday around 5:30 pm and likely reached the maximum intensity near the intersection of Fancher Road and Ohio 605 causing damage to multiple homes in the area. No injuries were reported.

REDESIGNED REST AREA

Thursday, In recognition of World Heritage Day, Governor Mike DeWine, and other state officials, unveiled the newly re-designed Licking County I-70 westbound rest area, which includes images of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside the newly designed Licking County I-70 westbound rest area travelers will also see images of Licking County attractions such as downtown Newark, Dawes Arboretum, and the Midland Theatre.

LOCAL MAN INDICTED ON DRUG CHARGES

A Licking County grand jury has indicted a 47-year-old Galloway man on drug charges. Chad Carpenter faces one count each of aggravated possession of meth, possession of fentanyl and possession of cocaine. Carpenter entered not guilty pleas and is scheduled to go trial in June. He remains held on $75,000 bond.

THORNWOOD CORRIDOR

Phase 1 of the Thornwood Corridor project in Newark and Heath continues with the construction of a new bridge and roundabout.

Licking County Commissioner Duane Flowers said the north-south corridor will certainly help grow Licking County’s manufacturing sector.

A SAFE PROM SEASON

April is Prom Season with both Newark High School and Newark Catholic celebrating the annual event on Saturday. In an effort to keep everyone safe, Newark police will be stepping up overtime enforcement on Ohio 13, 16, 79, and the 21st Street area.

HNLCPA INVESTMENTS

At a recent meeting, the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority Board of Directors accepted an update to its 10-year capital plan which forecasts capital investments through the year 2035. At full implementation, the plan envisions a $63.9 million total investment. The plan includes at least six customer expansions and more than $18 million in facility improvement and infrastructure projects.